The Town of Harwich is a resort and residential community located on the south side of the Cape peninsula, with an extensive shoreline on Nantucket Sound. It was settled around 1665, and incorporated in 1694. Its early economy included agriculture andmaritime industries and its history has included boom and bust cycles from the earliest days of the community. When the whaling industry collapsed with the discovery of oil, the community’s emphasis shifted to cod fishing. By 1802, 15 to 20 ships were shore fishing and another four ships were cod fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador, and by 1851, there were 48 ships employing 577 men and bringing in thousands of tons of cod and mackerel. The eventual decline of the fishing industry in Harwich by the latter part of the 19th century was caused by increases in the size of ships which eventually outstripped the shallow port’s ability to house them. Residents turned to the development of cranberry bogs and resorts for summer visitors, working side-by-side with Portuguese immigrants. The first resort hotel opened in 1880 and both the cranberry and the tourist industries remain substantial parts of Harwich’s economy in the present. In 1775, when Separatists and Baptists outnumbered Orthodox Congregationalists, Harwich burghers felt independent enough to refuse to support a minister with public tax monies and they continued refusing to do so for 18 years. The town showed religious diversity from the first, including residents who are Baptists, Methodists, Reformed Methodists (anti-Episcopal), Wesleyans and Catholics, among others. Commercial, motel and condominium development has been intense along the Route 28 corridor and suburban development has significantly decreased the remaining agricultural landscape, but the town retains much of its 19th century character, including period Portuguese farmhouses.
Town Location
Southeastern Massachusetts, on the southeast portion of Cape Cod. Bordered by Dennis on the west, Brewster and Orleans on the north, Chatham on the east, and Nantucket Sound on the south. Harwich is about 12 miles from Hyannis, 70 miles east of Fall River, 82 miles southeast of Boston, and 260 miles from New York City. Town offices are located at 732 Main street, Harwich, MA 02645. The Main number is 508-430-7513.
| Name | Address | Telephone | Town/Village | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 East Restaurant | Corner of Routes 39 and 137 | 508-432-1800 | East Harwich | |
| A & W Family Restaurant | 297 Route 28 | 508-432-9838 | Harwich Port | Leisurely family-style restaurant |
| Alecsie's House of Pizza | 181 Route 137 | 508-432-4550 | Harwich | |
| Back Nine Cafe | 183 Oak | 774-237-0909 | Harwich | |
| Bishop's Terrace | 108 Route 28 | 508-432-0253 | West Harwich | Casual dining in our gazebo, on our terrace, and in our dining room. Bistro dining in our tavern. |
| Bonatt's Bakery | 537 Route 28 | 508-432-7199 | Harwich Port | Best breakfast in Harwich Port. |
| Brax Landing Restaurant | 705 Route 28 | 508-432-5515 | Harwich | A casual atmosphere and great food. We love this place! Outstanding brunch and reasonable prices. On a warm day sit out on the patio, watch the boats in the harbor and have a lobster roll to die for. Children's menu, too. |
| Bucas Tuscan Roadhouse | 4 Depot Rd | 508-432-6900 | Harwich | |
| Cafe Capriccioso | 707 Main Street | 508-432-2214 | Harwich | |
| Cape Sea Grille | 31 Sea St. | 508-432-4745 | Harwich Port | The menu is diverse and delicious. Start with the cucumber almond gazpacho then try the seafood paella, or the grilled salmon over goat cheese brushetta and truffle oil. |
